Minneapolis, MN: Employees commenced a class action lawsuit against Consumer Programs Incorporated (CPI) for back wages alleged to be owed to thousands of employees who work at Sears Portrait Studios and Wal-Mart Picture Me Portrait Studios. CPI states it is the largest portrait studio operator in North America, offering photography services in over 3,000 locations throughout the United States.
The class action lawsuit, filed Friday, July 23, in federal court in Wisconsin, seeks to recover back wages for all current and former photographic-customer service agents, assistant managers and managers nationwide who worked at any time since 2007. The suit also seeks to change CPI's pay practices. Other portrait studios around the country have faced lawsuits for similar illegal pay practices, including one resulting in a multi-million dollar settlement.
The lawsuit alleges that CPI fails to pay employees for all the time they work, including time spent preparing the studios for upcoming photography sessions and cleaning studios at the end of the day. In addition, the employees assert that CPI adjusts employees' time records if they clock in more than 10 minutes before the studios open; does not compensate them for participating in mandatory conference calls; attending mandatory meetings; and distributing CPI marketing materials to businesses, hospitals, daycare centers, nursing homes, and churches. Photographers are also required to use their own money to buy props and toys to use in photography sessions, and are not reimbursed for these purchases. The employees assert these pay practices violate federal and state wage laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act.
CPI Portrait Studio Employees Wages Class Action Legal Help
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I had pictures made an never got lost$185.99 dollars I paid I have found the ones they gave me but they have watermark on them don't no how to print without watermark any suggestions? it's the only pictures of my mom left thank you
Posted by Angela Tallman
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I worked for Picture me portrait studio in elkins wv and was transferred to manage seats portrait studio in Bridgeport WV from Oct 2012 to April 2013. I did not recieve my last paycheck. All employees were pressured in the last week's to make record sales to ensure our job safety and raises. I ran my store by myself and had good sales. I was told not to worry because they had never closed a Sears portrait studio. I was called the first week of April and told that I no longer has a job. They had filled bankruptcy and was never on contract again. Like I said, I did not recipient my last paycheck and many customers didn't receive their pictures. I felt very betrayed. I loved my job and worked card for the company.
Posted by Tonia Michelle Gilmore
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I worked for CPI from 2006 to 2013 and I was informed the company was going bankrupt I'm not sure if I was short money or not but I'm looking into it from former employees
Posted by Rebecca Byrne
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I worked for them from 2008-2010. There were decrepencies on wages and commission EVERY paycheck. I was a single mom of 4 kids in a constant, highly expensive, custody battle against my abusive ex husband. The store, and district managers knew of my struggle, yet still went into my time card and adjusted my hours and commission, lowering my income, and chances of rescuing my kids. [The person], who was over district including store # 1478, where I worked in south point ohio. My name back then was [name]. [Name] admitted to my face that she was forced to "shave" hours, and commissions, or lose her own job.
Years later in still furious at the extra burden that the company that I worked so hard for, could put my kids lives in further jeopardy bc I couldn't pay the lawyers. Now, at least some compensation could help now my oldest, 16, to get a car. Please make them pay for their crime!
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